FOCL scope and connection technologies

The length of the FOCL communication lines can reach hundreds of kilometers (for example, when building communications between cities), while the standard length of optical fibers is several kilometers (including because working with too long lengths is in some cases inconvenient). Thus, when constructing the route, it is necessary to solve the problem of the splicing of individual optical fibers.

There are two types of connections: detachable and one-piece. In the first case, optical connectors are used for the connection (this is associated with additional financial costs, and, in addition, with a large number of intermediate detachable connections, optical losses increase).

For permanent connection of local sections (installation of routes), mechanical connectors, adhesive splicing, and fiber bonding are used. In the latter case, the apparatus for welding optical fibers are used. Preference for a particular method is given taking into account the purpose and conditions of use of optics.

The most common is gluing technology, for which special equipment and tools are used and which includes several technological operations.

In particular, before connecting, the optical cables undergo preliminary preparation: in the places of future connections, the protective coating and excess fiber are removed (the prepared section is cleaned of the hydrophobic composition). For reliable fixation of the fiber in the connector (connector), epoxy glue is used, which fills the internal space of the connector (it is inserted into the connector housing using a syringe or dispenser). To harden and dry the glue, a special oven is used that can create a temperature of 100 degrees. FROM.

After the adhesive has hardened, the excess fiber is removed, and the connector tip is ground and polished (chip quality is of utmost importance). To ensure high accuracy, the performance of these works is controlled using a 200-fold microscope Polishing can be done manually or using a polished machine.

The highest quality connection with minimal loss provides fiber welding. This method is used to create high-speed fiber-optic links. During welding, the ends of the fiber are melted; for this, a gas burner, electric charge or laser radiation can be used as a source of thermal energy.

Each of the methods has its advantages. Laser welding due to the absence of impurities allows obtaining the purest compounds. For strong welding of multimode fibers, gas torches are usually used. The most common are electric welding, which provides high speed and quality of work. The melting time of various types of bulk fibers is different.

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For welding, special tools and expensive welding equipment are used - automatic or semi-automatic. Modern welding machines allow you to control the quality of welding, as well as to conduct testing of joints at tension. Advanced models are equipped with programs that allow you to optimize the welding process for a specific type of fiber.